RFID tag system monitoring device and its program

Abstract

By anticipating potential failures, the system configuration can be simplified. [Solution] The system includes a reader 7 that reads information from a first RFID tag 6 passing through gate 4, a plurality of second RFID tags R1... arranged at gate 4, and a processing unit that processes information R1 from at least a plurality of the second RFID tags among the first RFID tag 6 and the plurality of second RFID tags R1... based on pre-stored information. The plurality of second RFID tags R1... include RFID tags R1... for reading that are pre-assigned as targets to be read by the reader 7. The processing unit sets a determination condition from the information of the RFID tags R1... for reading read by the reader 7, compares the determination condition with the determination condition after setting the determination condition, and monitors whether the determination condition satisfies the determination condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device for an RFID tag system that monitors an RFID tag system including a reading means for reading information of a first RFID tag attached to an object passing through a gate, and a plurality of second RFID tags arranged in the gate, and a program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In such an RFID tag system, for example, a gate is provided while an article with an RFID tag is being conveyed by a conveyor. By arranging a plurality of antennas for receiving a signal transmitted from the RFID tag at the gate, even if some antennas that cannot receive the signal occur, the remaining antennas can receive the signal to prevent signal reading omission.

[0003] And, in order to be able to surely detect an antenna that cannot receive the signal, each of the plurality of antennas is provided with a failure detection RFID tag corresponding thereto. Therefore, when an antenna cannot receive a signal transmitted from the failure detection RFID tag, it is determined that the antenna has failed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, it is not possible to confirm that an antenna has failed until some of the antennas are unable to receive signals from the RFID tags used for fault detection. Therefore, many antennas must be installed to avoid reading errors. This results in the inconvenience of making the entire RFID tag system complicated, and there was room for improvement.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a monitoring device and program for an RFID tag system that can simplify the configuration by predicting failures in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The monitoring device for an RFID tag system according to the present invention comprises a reading means for reading information of a first RFID tag attached to an item passing through a gate, and a plurality of second RFID tags arranged at the gate, wherein the plurality of second RFID tags include RFID tags for reading that are pre-assigned as reading targets to be read by the reading means, and is communicably connected to the reading means via a network, and includes a processing unit that processes based on information pre-stored, which includes information of the first RFID tag and information of the RFID tags for reading, at least the information of the RFID tags for reading, wherein the processing unit sets a determination condition from the information of the RFID tags for reading read by the reading means, compares the determination information of the RFID tags for reading read by the reading means after setting the determination condition with the determination condition, and monitors whether the determination information satisfies the determination condition.

[0008] According to the present invention, by comparing the judgment information of the read RFID tag with the set judgment conditions and monitoring whether the read judgment information satisfies the judgment conditions, it is possible to predict in advance when the RFID tag system will fail. As a result, by performing maintenance on the reading means and the RFID tags to be read before the RFID tag system fails, the RFID tag system can be restored to normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid missing readings of the first RFID tags attached to items passing through the gate.

[0009] Furthermore, the monitoring device for the RFID tag system according to the present invention may also include: a storage means that stores in advance a threshold value set based on the identification value of the RFID tag for reading and the reading means as the determination condition; a determination means that compares the identification value read by the reading means as determination information with the identification value stored in advance in the processing unit, and if they match, compares the reading value read by the reading means as determination information with the threshold value to determine whether the read reading value is lower than the threshold value; and a notification means that notifies the outside that the determination condition is not met if the determination means determines that the reading value is lower than the threshold value.

[0010] As described above, by comparing the identification information of the RFID tag read by the reading means as information for determination with the identification information of the RFID tag stored in the processing unit beforehand, if they match, the received signal strength of the RFID tag read by the reading means is compared with a pre-stored threshold, and if it is determined that the received signal strength is lower than the threshold, the system notifies the outside that the determination condition has not been met, thereby enabling immediate maintenance of the RFID tag system.

[0011] Furthermore, in the monitoring device for the RFID tag system according to the present invention, the notification means consists of an LED lamp provided on the RFID tag for reading, and the processing unit may light up the LED lamp when the determination means determines that the threshold value is less than the threshold value.

[0012] As described above, if the detection method determines that the value is below the threshold, the LED lamp on the RFID tag for reading will light up, allowing for immediate detection of a malfunction in the RFID tag system.

[0013] Furthermore, the monitoring device for the RFID tag system according to the present invention may include a speaker capable of emitting an alarm sound on the reading RFID tag, and the processing unit may notify the reading RFID tag that it has received a signal from the reading means, by emitting an alarm sound from the speaker based on the signal received by the reading RFID tag when the reading RFID tag receives a signal transmitted from the reading means and the reading RFID tag sends a reply.

[0014] As described above, the processing unit can determine that the RFID tag has received a signal from the reading means when the RFID tag receives a signal transmitted from the reading means and the reading means receives a signal when the RFID tag returns a signal, by sounding an alarm from the speaker provided in the RFID tag.

[0015] Furthermore, the program for a monitoring device of an RFID tag system according to the present invention comprises: a reading means for reading information of a first RFID tag attached to an object passing through a gate; a plurality of second RFID tags arranged at the gate; and a processing unit that is communicably connected to the reading means via a network and processes information that has been pre-stored, the information of the first RFID tag and the information of the second RFID tags, wherein the plurality of second RFID tags include RFID tags for reading that are pre-assigned as reading targets to be read by the reading means, and the processing unit may be configured to set determination conditions from the information of the RFID tags for reading read by the reading means, compare determination information of the RFID tags for reading read by the reading means after setting the determination conditions with the determination conditions, and monitor whether the determination information satisfies the determination conditions.

[0016] According to the present invention, by comparing the judgment information of the read RFID tag with the set judgment conditions and monitoring whether the read judgment information satisfies the judgment conditions, it is possible to predict in advance when the RFID tag system will fail. As a result, by performing maintenance on the reading means and the RFID tags to be read before the RFID tag system fails, the RFID tag system can be restored to normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid missing readings of the first RFID tags attached to items passing through the gate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, by comparing the judgment information of the read RFID tag with the judgment conditions and monitoring whether the judgment information satisfies the judgment conditions, it is possible to predict failures in advance. This eliminates the need to provide multiple reading means, thus simplifying the configuration and enabling the provision of a monitoring device and program for an RFID tag system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1]It is a perspective view showing a monitoring device of the RFID tag system of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the monitoring device. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart for determining the passing direction of the target item. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart for setting a threshold value for determining whether the monitoring device is normal or abnormal. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for determining whether the monitoring device is normal or abnormal. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a monitoring device of an RFID tag system according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In FIG. 1, the passing direction of the target item passing through the gate is defined as the front - rear direction, the width direction orthogonal to the passing direction is defined as the left - right direction, and the direction orthogonal to the front - rear direction and the left - right direction is defined as the up - down direction for the following description.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the RFID tag system includes a gate 4 to which three first to third housings 1, 2, and 3 are connected, a reading means 7 for reading information of a first RFID tag (hereinafter referred to as the first tag) 6 attached to a target item 5 passing through the gate 4, a plurality (20 in this embodiment) of second RFID tags (hereinafter referred to as the second tags) R1 to R20 arranged in the first and third housings 1 and 3, and a terminal (not shown in FIG. 1) as a processing unit that is communicably connected to the reading means 7 via a network (for example, the Internet) and processes based on the information of the first tag 6 and the information of the second tag R. In this embodiment, the target item 5 with the first tag 6 is placed on a hand - pushed cart 8 and a person pushes the cart 8 to pass through the gate 4, but a configuration using a conveying means such as a belt conveyor to pass the target item 5 through the gate 4 may also be employed. Also, two or more target items 5 can be passed through the gate 4.

[0021] The first housing 1 is formed in a portal shape and consists of a pair of left and right plate-shaped and rectangular side plate portions 1A and 1B that extend in the vertical direction, and a plate-shaped and rectangular top plate portion 1C that connects the upper ends of the side plate portions 1A and 1B. Also, the second housing 2 has the same configuration as the first housing 1. In FIG. 1, the right side plate portion 2B and the top plate portion 2C are shown. Also, the third housing 3 has the same configuration as the first housing 1. In FIG. 1, the right side plate portion 3B and the top plate portion 3C are shown.

[0022] The first tag 6 is composed of a tag that operates according to a signal transmitted from the reading means 7. By this operation, a signal is transmitted from the first tag 6 to the reading means 7, and when the reading means 7 receives the transmitted signal, the information of the first tag 6 can be read. The attachment position of the first tag 6 to the target product 5 is not particularly limited. Examples of the types of tags include passive tags, active tags, semi-passive tags, and the like.

[0023] Two reading means 7 are provided respectively in the first housing 1 located on the front side and the third housing 3 located on the rear side. Since the pair of left and right reading means 7, 7 provided in the first housing 1 and the third housing 3 have the same configuration, only the reading means 7, 7 of the first housing 1 will be described. Specifically, at substantially the central position in the front-rear direction and substantially the central position in the vertical direction of the left and right side plate portions 1A, 1B of the first housing 1, there are antennas 71, 71 for transmitting and receiving, and a reader (not shown) which is a reading device connected to the antennas 71, 71. The left and right antennas 71, 71 are arranged at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. A terminal is connected to the reader, and the terminal can display the information read by the reader on a screen or the like provided in the terminal.

[0024] Each antenna 71 is attached to the housings 1 and 3 via a mounting member 72. The mounting member 72 comprises a vertically elongated plate-shaped main body 72A to which the antenna 71 is attached, and a pair of front and rear extensions 72B and 72C that extend inward in the left-right direction from the front and rear ends of the main body 72A. The front extension 72B is configured in an inclined position, with the tip being positioned further forward, and the rear extension 72C is configured in an inclined position, with the tip being positioned further back. These extensions 72B and 72C restrict the range of radio waves emitted from the antenna 71 so that they do not spread unnecessarily in the front-rear direction. The inclination angles of the extensions 72B and 72C are determined by the position of the second tag R that receives the radio waves, etc.

[0025] Multiple second tags R1-R20 (20 in Figure 1, but any number is acceptable) are provided in both the first enclosure 1 and the third enclosure 3. Since the same number and arrangement of second tags R1-R20 are present in both the first enclosure 1 and the third enclosure 3, only the second tags R1-R20 located in the first enclosure 1 will be described. Note that only the second tags R9-R14 and R17-R20 attached to the right side panel 3B and top panel 3C visible in the third enclosure 3 are shown in the illustration. Of the second tags R1-R20, four second tags R1, R2, R7, R8 and R3, R4, R5, R6 are located on the upper and lower sides of the left side panel 1A of the first enclosure 1, approximately in the vertical direction of the center. The four upper second tags R1, R2, R7, and R8 are positioned close to the top panel 1C, with two R7 and R8 tags placed at the same height with a gap in the front-to-back direction, and two R1 and R2 tags placed at the same height with a gap in the front-to-back direction, near the approximate center of the left side panel 1A in the vertical direction. The four lower second tags R3, R4, R5, and R6 are positioned close to the approximate center of the left side panel 1A in the vertical direction, with two R3 and R4 tags placed at the same height with a gap in the front-to-back direction, and two R5 and R6 tags placed at the same height with a gap in the front-to-back direction, near the lower end of the left side panel 1A in the vertical direction. In other words, in the left side panel 1A, the four second tags R7, R1, R3, and R5 located at the front are positioned in a position where they overlap vertically, and the four second tags R8, R2, R4, and R6 located at the rear are also positioned in a position where they overlap vertically.

[0026] Furthermore, the right side panel 1B of the first enclosure 1, like the left side panel 1A, has four second tags R9, R10, R15, R16 and R11, R12, R13, R14 positioned above and below the approximate center of the right side panel 1B in the vertical direction. As a result, the second tags R1-R8 of the left side panel 1A and the second tags R11-R16 of the right side panel 1B are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction. In addition, four second tags R17-R20 are also positioned on the top panel 1C. Two second tags R17 and R19 are positioned near the front end of the top panel 1C with a gap in the left-right direction, and two second tags R18 and R20 are positioned near the rear end of the top panel 1C with a gap in the left-right direction. The two front secondary tags R17 and R19 are positioned to overlap horizontally, and the two rear secondary tags R17 and R19 are also positioned to overlap horizontally. Furthermore, the two front secondary tags R17 and R19 and the two rear secondary tags R18 and R20 are positioned to overlap horizontally. The arrangement of these 20 secondary tags R1 to R20 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1.

[0027] Of the multiple (20 in this embodiment) second tags R1 to R20, at least one RFID tag for reading is pre-assigned as the target to be read by the reading means 7. In this embodiment, since one housing 1 or 3 is equipped with two antennas 71, 71, at least two RFID tags for reading will be assigned. Specifically, the RFID tags for reading (hereinafter referred to as reading tags) to be read by one (left) antenna 71 located on the left side plate 1A are set to the four second tags R9, R10, R11, R12 located on the right side plate 1B. The four second tags (reading tags) R9, R10, R11, R12 consist of four tags arranged near the antenna 71 on the right side plate 1B. Furthermore, the RFID tags for reading (hereinafter referred to as "reading tags") to be read by the other (right) antenna 71 located on the right side panel 1B are set to the four second tags R1, R2, R3, and R4 located on the left side panel 1A. The four second tags (reading tags) R1, R2, R3, and R4 consist of four tags arranged near the antenna 71 on the left side panel 1A.

[0028] Then, the reading range (radio wave emission range) of one (left) antenna 71 is adjusted so that it can read only the readable tags (the four second tags on the right, R9, R10, R11, R12). Similarly, the reading range (radio wave emission range) of the other (right) antenna 71 is adjusted so that it can read only the readable tags (the four second tags on the left, R1, R2, R3, R4).

[0029] Examples of terminals include desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, and smartphones. In this embodiment, terminals are listed as processing units, but they can be composed of computers such as servers.

[0030] The terminal is configured to read information from the RFID tags (8 second tags R1-R4, R9-R12) using the reading means 7, set judgment conditions from the read information, and then compare the judgment information from the RFID tags (8 second tags R1-R4, R9-R12) read by the reading means 7 with the set judgment conditions, and monitor whether the judgment information satisfies the judgment conditions.

[0031] Furthermore, the RFID tags for reading (eight second tags R1-R4, R9-R12) are equipped with speakers (not shown) capable of emitting an alarm sound. Therefore, when the terminal transmits a signal from the reading means 7 to the RFID tags for reading (eight second tags R1-R4, R9-R12), the RFID tags receive the transmitted signal and reply. When the reading means 7 receives the reply signal, the terminal notifies the operator that the RFID tags for reading (eight second tags R1-R4, R9-R12) have received a signal from the reading means 7 by emitting an alarm sound from the speaker.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the terminal 9 includes a storage means 10, a determination means 11, and a notification means 12. The storage means 10 pre-stores a threshold value set based on the received signal strength from the RFID tags for reading (8 second tags R1-R4, R9-R12) read by the reading means 7, and the identification information of the RFID tags for reading (8 second tags R1-R4, R9-R12). The determination means 11 compares the identification information of the RFID tags for reading (e.g., ID number) read by the reading means 7 with the identification information of the RFID tags for reading (e.g., ID number) stored in the storage means 10 of the terminal 9. If they match, it compares the received signal strength from the RFID tags for reading (8 second tags R1-R4, R9-R12) read by the reading means 7 with the set threshold value and determines whether the received signal strength is less than the threshold value. The notification means 12 notifies the outside that the determination condition has not been met if the determination means 11 determines that the value is below the threshold.

[0033] The storage means 10 consists of a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) installed in the terminal (personal computer), as well as an SD card or the like that is attached to the computer externally.

[0034] The notification means 12 consists of LED lamps (not shown) attached to the RFID tags for reading (eight second tags R1-R4, R9-R12), and lights up the LED lamps when the received signal strength read as described above is below a threshold. In addition to the LED lamps, the notification means 12 may also transmit voice messages using a device that emits sound, such as a built-in speaker in the terminal (personal computer), or display messages on a message board.

[0035] The procedure for setting a threshold based on the signal strength received from the RFID tag read by the reading means 7 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 4 and Table 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the reading means 7,7 of the first housing 1 read the information of the RFID tags to be read (8 second tags R1~R4 and R9~R12), and the reading means 7,7 of the third housing 3 also read the information of the RFID tags to be read (8 second tags R1~R4 and R9~R12) (step S21). The information read by each reading means 7,7 (tag information and received strength) is output (step S22). The tag information may be, for example, a manufacturing number (serial number) assigned when the tag is manufactured, or any number (code) that can be used for identification. Table 1 shows the data outputting the signal strength (received strength) when the signal strength from the RFID tags to be read (4 second tags R1 (ID number 111)~R4 (ID number 114)) is measured. Then, the judgment conditions (thresholds for tag information and received strength) are set based on the information read (step S23). Table 1 shows that the signal strengths of the first to fourth RFID tags R1, R2, R3, and R4 read by the reading means 7,7 are -65 decibel milliwatts (dBm), -66 decibel milliwatts (dBm), -67 decibel milliwatts (dBm), and -65 decibel milliwatts (dBm), respectively. Based on these signal strength values, a threshold is set in this embodiment, for example, to a lower limit of -70 decibel milliwatts (dBm). This threshold (-70 decibel milliwatts (dBm)) will be set while considering the usage environment in which the RFID tags are used and the characteristics of the RFID tags. Therefore, if the signal strength (received strength) of the four RFID tags (R1~R4) read by the reading means 7 is above the threshold of -70 decibel milliwatts (dBm), that is, if it is a value higher than -70 decibel milliwatts (dBm) (a strong value), the determination means 11 determines that the RFID tag system is normal. However, if even one of the RFID tags (R1~R4) read is below -70 decibel milliwatts (dBm), that is, if it is a value lower than -70 decibel milliwatts (dBm) (a weak value), the terminal 9 determines that the determination conditions are not met, that is, it determines that an abnormality (malfunction) has occurred in the RFID tag system and that it is on the verge of failure, and activates the notification means 12 to inform the worker (operator) that it is on the verge of failure.The operator who receives the notification will resolve any abnormalities (malfunctions) occurring in the RFID tag system by performing maintenance on the RFID tag system. In addition, the determination means 11 will also notify the outside if the identification information (e.g., ID number) of the RFID tag read by the reading means 7 does not match the identification information (e.g., ID number) of the RFID tag stored in the storage means 10 of the terminal 9, indicating that the determination conditions have not been met.

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] Next, the procedure for performing monitoring (determining in advance whether the system will fail) using the monitoring device for the RFID tag system of the present invention will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0039] First, the monitoring device is activated (step S31). Next, each reading means 7,7 reads the information (tag information and received strength) from the RFID tag to be read (step S32). The judgment information (tag information and received strength) read by each reading means 7,7 is compared with the judgment conditions set in Figure 4 (step S33). The comparison is checked to see if the judgment conditions are met (step S34).

[0040] If the judgment conditions are met, it is determined that there is no abnormality (it is normal) (step S35). If the judgment conditions are not met, it is determined that there is an abnormality (it is about to malfunction) (step S36). The items that did not meet the conditions are printed on paper or the like (step S37), and the control is terminated. If it is determined that an abnormality (malfunction) has occurred, the LED lamp on the RFID tag for reading is lit to notify the worker (operator). The worker performs maintenance on the RFID tag system based on the items that did not meet the conditions. In this embodiment, the first tag 6 attached to the target item 5 is not read while the RFID tag system is being monitored by the monitoring device. However, it may be configured so that the monitoring device is monitoring while the first tag 6 attached to the target item 5 is being read.

[0041] Furthermore, the procedure for detecting the direction of passage of the target item 5 passing through gate 4 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 3. In order to distinguish between the front reading means 7,7 and the rear reading means 7,7, the flowchart in Figure 3 will describe the front reading means 7,7 as reading means A and the rear reading means 7,7 as reading means B. To detect that the first tag 6 has passed through either reading means A or reading means B, the terminal 9 determines that the tag has passed when the signal strength of the first tag 6 received by reading means A or reading means B exceeds a preset signal strength threshold. In this embodiment, the identification number and signal strength are stored when the target item 5 passes through gate 4 and is received (at the time of arrival), but at least the identification numbers of all incoming target items 5 may be stored in advance.

[0042] Step S1 determines whether either reading means A or B has detected the first tag 6. If the first tag 6 is detected, it is checked whether the signal strength of the first tag 6 exceeds a preset threshold (Step S2). If the threshold is not exceeded, it is determined that it is not a target for reading and the process returns to before Step S1 (Step S3). If the threshold is exceeded in Step S2, it is checked whether it was exceeded by either reading means A or B (Step S4). In Step S4, for example, it may occur that both reading means A or B detect the same first tag 6 and exceed the threshold. In that case, it is determined that the reading means with the stronger signal strength has read the tag. If it is determined in Step S4 that reading means A has read the tag, the process is in a waiting state for detection by reading means B (Step S5), and it is checked whether the signal strength of reading means B exceeds the signal strength of reading means A (Step S6). If the limit is exceeded, it is determined that the reading means B has detected the first tag 6 (step S7), and that the first tag 6 has passed in the direction from reading means A to reading means B (step S8). After determining the direction of passage, the information of the first tag 6 (identification information, e.g., ID number) and the direction of passage are recorded (step S9), and the control is terminated.

[0043] If the signal strength does not exceed the limit in step S6, it is checked whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S10). If the signal strength does not exceed the limit even after the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the first tag 6 has not passed through the gate (step S11), and it is determined that it is not a target for reading, and control is terminated (step S12).

[0044] If reading means B determines in step S4 that the signal strength has been exceeded, the system waits for detection by reading means A (step S13), and checks whether the signal strength of reading means A has exceeded the signal strength of reading means B (step S14). If it has exceeded the signal strength, it is determined that reading means A has detected the first tag 6 (step S15), and that the first tag 6 has passed in the direction of reading means B → reading means A (step S16). After determining the direction of passage, the information of the first tag 6 (identification information, e.g., ID number) and the direction of passage are recorded (step S9), and the control is terminated.

[0045] If the signal strength does not exceed the limit in step S14, it is checked whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S17). If the signal strength does not exceed the limit even after the period of time has elapsed, it is determined that the first tag 6 has not passed through the gate (step S11), and it is determined that it is not a target for reading, and control is terminated (step S12).

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention may include a program for monitoring an RFID tag system. The program includes a reading means for reading information of a first RFID tag attached to an object passing through a gate, a plurality of second RFID tags arranged at the gate, and a processing unit that is communicably connected to the reading means via a network and processes information that has been pre-stored, the information of the first RFID tag and the information of the second RFID tags, wherein the plurality of second RFID tags include RFID tags for reading that are pre-assigned as reading targets to be read by the reading means, and the processing unit may be configured to set determination conditions from the information of the RFID tags for reading read by the reading means, compare determination information of the RFID tags for reading read by the reading means after setting the determination conditions with the determination conditions, and monitor whether the determination information satisfies the determination conditions.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0048] In the above embodiment, three housings 1, 2, and 3 are provided, and second tags R1 to R20 are provided only in the first housing 1 and the third housing 3. By separating the front reading means 7,7 and the rear reading means 7,7 in the second housing 2, radio wave interference is suppressed. However, the second housing 2 may be omitted, and the gate 4 may be configured with the first housing 1 and the third housing 3. Alternatively, the gate 4 may be configured with only one housing.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two reading means 7,7 are provided in each of the first housing 1 and the third housing 3, but only one reading means may be provided. If only one reading means is provided, one RFID tag for reading may be provided, or any number of two or more may be provided.

[0050] Furthermore, although the gate 4 is configured as a gate shape in a front view in the above embodiment, the gate 4 may also be constructed from a pair of left and right side plates. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...First housing, 1A, 1B...Side panel, 1C...Top panel, 2...Second housing, 2B...Side panel, 2C...Top panel, 3...Third housing, 3B...Side panel, 3C...Top panel, 4...Gate, 5...Target item, 6...First RFID tag (first tag), 7...Reading means, 8...Cart, 9...Terminal, 10...Storage means, 11...Determination means, 12...Notification means, 71...Antenna, 72...Mounting member, 72A...Main body, 72B, 72C...Extension parts, R1~R20...Second RFID tag (second tag), R1~R4, R9~R12...RFID tags for reading

Claims

1. The system comprises a reading means for reading information from a first RFID tag attached to an item passing through a gate, and a plurality of second RFID tags arranged at the gate. The plurality of second RFID tags include RFID tags for reading that are pre-assigned as reading targets to be read by the reading means. The reading means is connected to the reading means via a network and includes a processing unit that processes information based on information that is pre-stored, which includes information from the first RFID tag and information from the reading RFID tag, at least the information from the reading RFID tag. The RFID tag system monitoring device is characterized in that the processing unit sets determination conditions from the information of the RFID tag for reading read by the reading means, compares the determination information of the RFID tag for reading read by the reading means after setting the determination conditions with the determination conditions, and monitors whether the determination information satisfies the determination conditions.

2. The information read by the reading means is the received signal strength when a signal transmitted from the RFID tag for reading is received and the identification information of the RFID tag for reading. The aforementioned processing unit, A storage means that stores in advance the identification information of the RFID tag for reading and a threshold value set based on the received signal strength read by the reading means as the determination condition, A determination means compares the identification information read by the reading means as information for determination with the identification information pre-stored in the processing unit, and if they match, compares the received signal strength read by the reading means as information for determination with the threshold, and determines whether the read received signal strength is lower than the threshold, A notification means that notifies an external party that the determination condition is not met when the determination means determines that the value is below the threshold, A monitoring device for an RFID tag system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the above.

3. The notification means consists of an LED lamp provided on the RFID tag for reading, The RFID tag system monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that the processing unit lights up the LED lamp when the determination means determines that the threshold value is less than the threshold value.

4. The RFID tag for reading is equipped with a speaker capable of emitting an alarm sound. The monitoring device for an RFID tag system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing unit notifies the RFID tag that has received a signal from the reading means when the RFID tag receives a signal transmitted from the reading means and the RFID tag returns a signal, by sounding an alarm from the speaker.

5. A reading means for reading information from a first RFID tag attached to an item passing through a gate, and a plurality of second RFID tags arranged at the gate, The reading means is communicated via a network and comprises a processing unit that processes information pre-stored from the information of the first RFID tag and the information of the second RFID tag, The plurality of second RFID tags include RFID tags for reading that are pre-assigned as reading targets to be read by the reading means. A program for a monitoring device of an RFID tag system that causes the processing unit to set determination conditions from the information of the RFID tag for reading read by the reading means, compare the determination information of the RFID tag for reading read by the reading means after setting the determination conditions with the determination conditions, and monitor whether the determination information satisfies the determination conditions.

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